WARNING: Sappy post to follow.
I thought about taking this back to the beginning. Back to when we had a half dozen people per meeting and a dozen was a really big day. Back to when we didn't have the giant lending library we have now so each mama who came brought every carrier they owned, whether it was 1 or 10, and dumped them all out on the tables in the room for everyone else to try. Back when there was room to spread out a blanket on the floor and plop all the kiddos on it. But that was way too many pictures and I still want the post to be able to load on your computer. ;-)
My how we have grown. Even though everything in the intro paragraph may sound wonderful and perfect and ideal to some people -- and it was a wonderful and perfect beginning to Babywearing Around Tulsa -- what we have grown into is AMAZING.
We have tried new things and made new friends. We have fund raised and saved dues money and searched hard for good deals. We have grown an impressive lending library and we shared our message with so, so many parents and caregivers.
We have lived through carrier fads. ;-) We have worked through different meeting structures and teaching techniques. We have LOVED getting together every month.
We don't always remember to take a group photo, but when we do they are always an awesome mix of moms, dads, grandparents and babies. The mix of carriers is always amazing.
We love that in BWAT wrappers, SSC lovers, Mei Tai enthusiasts and ring sling fanatics can coexist and do so lovingly. And that its very hard to get a group photo where no one is talking, because everyone loves to talk to each other so much we just can't stop.
If you want to learn to wear your baby, you are welcome here. If you have your one beloved wrap and need no other carrier, you are welcome here. If you want to collect all the pretty SSCs you can get your hands on, you are welcome here. If you want to learn to carry your newborn, you are welcome here. If you want to try a preschool size KP for your big kid, you are welcome here (and we have one in the lending library).
Twins, singletons, front carries, back carries, fancy finishes, ring slings, stretchy wraps..... We work with you to find the perfect carrier for you and your baby. One of the things that makes BWAT so special is that we know there isn't a one size fits all solution to babywearing and we celebrate our diversity.
The support that this group has provided to so many is invaluable. I hope I can get to know each and every one of you. At our current size, I know its virtually impossible, but please know that I value every one of you anyway. (3000 facebook members, guys! We have OVER 3000 facebook members. Can you believe that? My mind is blown.)
The friendships that have been forged here are strong and deep. Together we have learned so much and continue to do so.
Together we grow.
Somer Johnson is a Babywearing enthusiast and Momma to E, a bundle of energy. She is a Babywearing Institue Certified Babywearing Educator. She is also addicted to cloth diapers and makes and sells wool dryer balls as
SomerKnits. Occasionally she also carves out some time to knit, spin or weave - her main pre-baby passions.
